Laura \la(u)-ra\ as a girl's name is pronounced LAW-rah, LOR-ah. It is of Latin origin, and the meaning of Laura is "the bay, or laurel plant". In classical times, a crown was made from the leaves of the bay laurel for heroes or victors as a symbol of honor and victory. The poet Petrarch addressed his sonnets to a Laura. Also made famous as the name of the heroine of the 1940s film "Laura". Laura was also a character on "Little House on the Prarie" from Little House Books. See also Liora. Actresses Laura Dern, Laura Linney; singer Laura Brannigan; First Lady Laura Bush.
Laura has 59 variant forms: Lauraine, Lauralee, Laralyn, Laranca, Larea, Lari, Lauralee, Laurana, Laure, Laureen, Laurel, Laurella, Lauren, Laurena, Laurence, Laurene, Laurentia, Laurentine, Laurestine, Lauretha, Lauretta, Laurette, Lauri, Lauriane, Laurianne, Laurice, Lauricia, Laurie, Laurina, Laurinda, Laurine, Laurita, Laurnea, Lavra, Lawra, Lollie, Lolly, Lora, Loree, Loreen, Loren, Lorena, Lorene, Lorenza, Loretta, Lorette, Lorey, Lori, Lorie, Lorinda, Lorine, Lorita, Lorna, Lorretta, Lorrette, Lorri, Lorrie, Lorry and Lory.
For more information, see also related names Lorelle and Lorraine.